Horticulture Research Papers/Topics

Potential for Utilization of Entomopathogenic Fungus, Beauveria bassiana, for Control of Banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar)

Abstract: Banana production in Kenya has been on the decline due to among other factors, pests and disease of which banana weevil is major. Although, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae have been used successfully to control various agricultural and pasture pests, lack of effective application system limits their wider application.This study therefore seeks to evaluate the potential of utilizing the fungus to control the banana weevil using infected w...

The Role of Insects as Potential Vectors of Cassava and Cowpea Bacterial Blight in West Africa

Abstract: Xanthomonas campestris pv.manihotis (Bondar, 1912) (Xcm) and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vignicola (Burkholder, 1944) (Dye, 1978) (Xcv) are both worldwide important pathogens, causing bacterial blight diseases of cassava and cowpea, respectively. The presence of the pathogens in/on the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orth.: Acrididae), an occassionally important pest of cassava and cowpea in West Africa, was demosntrated. X. campestris pv. manihotis and X. campestr...

The influence of different Host plants on the green Leafhopper Empoasca Decipiens Poali (Homoptera:Cicadellidae) and its Parasitoid Anagrus Atomus (L) Halliday (Hymenoptera:Mymaridae)

Abstract: The green leafhopper Empoasca decipiens Paoli (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) has recently become a serious pest of vegetables and ornamentals grown under field conditions and in greenhouses in many European countries. The egg parasitoid Anagrus atomus L. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is a promising biological control agent of E. decipens. The objectives of this research were to assess the influence of host plants on the leafhopper and its parasitoid. Therefore, host plant acceptability ans s...

Phosphorus Availability and Carrot Growth as Influenced by Phosphate Rock Management under Acid Soils in Murang’a and Tharaka Nithi Counties

Abstract: Soils from Central Highlands of Kenya are characterized by low phosphorus (P) availability with crops exhibiting P deficiency symptoms. The objective was therefore to determine the P sorption characteristics of the soils and to assess their standard P requirements in order to recommend the P fertilizer required for different crops in the area. Besides, the study aimed at assessing the efficiency of lemon and pineapple juices and the concentration and time needed to release more tha...

Standard Specifications of Fruits of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) Foster and Duncan Cultivars in River Nile State- Sudan.

Abstract Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) is an important crop in Sudan. The quality of grapefruit is affected by many factors which are suspected to cause the low yield and poor quality of fruits. These factors may include infection by pests and diseases, damage, soil problems and poor management practices. The present study aimed to identify the specifications of two grapefruit cultivars (Foster and Duncan).This was achieved through determining quality indices such as, number of segments,...

Evaluation Of Entomopathogens And Plant Extracts As Options For Integrated Pest Management Of Tuta Absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) For Enhanced Tomato Productivity In Rwanda

ABSTRACT Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically and nutritionally important crop in Rwanda. However, its production is threatened by the invasive tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta Meyrick) since 2015. Options for integrated pest management (IPM) for its control under Rwandan conditions have not been developed. The main objective of this study was to contribute to enhanced tomato productivity and fruit quality in Rwanda through evaluation of entomopathogens and plant extracts as o...

Bioefficacy Of Lion’s Ear (Leonotis Nepetifolia) And African Basil (Ocimum Gratissimum) Extracts Against Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus Urticae) On French Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L)

ABSTRACT French bean is a major export vegetable crop in Kenya that is currently facing a steady decline in production. Two-spotted spider mite, (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is one of the major pests that has contributed to the fluctuations in French beans production. The conventional management of this pest using miticides has caused serious environmental and safety concerns particulary in the export market. Plant-based products provide safe alternatives that can be included in integrated pes...

Effect Of Aloe (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract Coating On Quality And Shelf Life Of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Fruits At Two Controlled Temperature Levels

ABSTRACT Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a popular and economically important tropical fruit throughout the world due to its excellent visual and eating qualities and nutritional composition. But the fruit is highly perishable and utmost care is required in handling to reduce postharvest losses. Trade in mangoes has been limited because of its highly perishable nature and its susceptibility to low temperature injury, physical injury and post-harvest diseases. Approaches to extending fresh fru...

Effects Of Agronet Cover And Companion Planting With Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) On Whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci Gennadius) Infestation, Yield And Quality Of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)

ABSTRACT Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major vegetable crops, and is ranked second at 14% of total value of exotic vegetables produced in Kenya after potato with a value of 55%. It is predominantly grown by small to medium scale growers in open fields. However, open field tomato production faces many challenges including weather extremes, diseases and insect pests. The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), is one of the major pests of tomato capable of causing up to 80% loss in yield....

Optimizing Micropropagation Protocols For Wild Blackberry (Rubus Sp)

ABSTRACT Blackberry is a crop of great economic potential but it has not been exploited commercially in Kenya. Breeding and commercial production of blackberry requires rapid propagation which is not possible through the traditional seed and vegetative techniques. This study aimed at developing an efficient protocol for rapid multiplication of blackberry (Rubus sp). The study comprised of seven separate experiments to establish the best sterilization protocol, explant size, source of explant...

Evaluation Of Agronets On Microclimate Modification, Insect Pest Control And Cabbage (Brassica Oleraceae Var.Capitata) Crop Performance

ABSTRACT This study was done to evaluate the effects of agronets on insect pests and crop performance on cabbage production under Kenyan conditions. Two experiments were conducted over a span of two seasons at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University. The objectives were to determine the effects of agronets on (1) microclimate modification, (2) insect pest population and damage, and (3) the subsequent effect on seedling performance, crop growth, yield and quality of ca...

Morphological Characterization And Response Of Spider Plant (Cleome Gynandra L.) To Npk Fertilizer Rates And Deflowering

ABSTRACT Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) is among traditional leafy vegetables whose consumption is increasing in Kenya. Characterization of spider plant ecotypes has not been exclusively done even though a collection exists at the national museums of Kenya. Production of spider plant as a vegetable is constrained by low leaf yields resulting from lack of improved planting materials and a short vegetative phase of the plant. The objective of this study was to morphologically characterize 36 sp...

Efficacy Of Biofumigation Using African Spider Plant (Cleome Gynandra) On Weed Control, Growth And Aesthetic Quality Of Paspalum Turfgrass (Paspalum Notatum) During Lawn Establishment

Weeds interfere with turfgrass growth lowering functional and aesthetic quality of lawns. Conventional weed control using synthetic pesticides is hazardous to lawn users and to the environment while cultivation alone is not sufficient. A study was conducted with the aim of exploring the potential of biofumigation with African spider plant (Cleome gynandra) as an environmentally friendly alternative to use of synthetic herbicides for establishment of weed-free Paspalum notatum turfgrass. ...


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